Jeremy Casey

Former England striker Peter Beardsley believes Newcastle United have ‘hit lucky’ with the signing of former Cobblers frontman Ivan Toney.

The 19-year-old has made an instant impact at St James’ Park after making the switch from Sixfields, and was today named the Under-21 Premier League Player of the Month for September.

Toney has scored twice in three games for the Newcastle youngsters, and has also made three substitute appearances for the first team, including a late run out in the 2-2 Premier League draw with champions Chelsea.

After being scouted by former Cobblers boss and Magpies chief scout Graham Carr, the teenager was signed by Newcastle for an undisclosed fee from Northampton in the summer, and the club’s football development manager Beardsley has been impressed.